Fadel’s POV

My rut coming this early wasn’t on my bingo card, but ever since Winter’s scent touched my system, I’d been spiraling. Out of control. Every instinct dragged to the surface, every boundary I’d built snapping like twigs under her presence.

“She’s your mate. Why don’t you spend your rut with her?” Edris asked as he finished the examination, wiping his hands like he already knew I wouldn’t like the question.

I raised my head slowly, temper flaring. “She doesn’t ...